Atiyeh’s wit: Governor as peacock or feather duster

Raymond Thorne, former head of the state Employment Division, has a commemorative bronze coin given by the late Gov. Vic Atiyeh.(Photo: Thomas Patterson / Statesman Journal, Thomas Patterson / Statesman Journal)Buy Photo

“It’s amazing,” former Gov. Vic Atiyeh said as he and Gov. Ted Kulongoski gazed across the Oregon Capitol Rotunda on the morning of Jan. 10, 2011.

“What’s amazing?” responded Kulongoski, whose tenure in the governor’s office was a few minutes from ending.

“You walk into this office as a peacock, and you walk out as a feather duster,” Atiyeh quipped.

Kulongoski said he was still chuckling when he walked into the Oregon House Chamber where John Kitzhaber was about to be sworn in as his successor.

Laughing again, Kulongoski told me that story a few days ago as he recounted Atiyeh’s love for humor.

That Atiyeh was comfortable joking with Kulongoski speaks to the quality of both men. They first met while serving in the Oregon Senate, where Republican Atiyeh was a stately legislator and Kulongoski, by his own admission, was a young ambitious Democrat who wanted to change everything. Then in 1982, Kulongoski challenged Atiyeh for the governorship — and wound up suffering one of the worst trouncings in Oregon political history.

Kulongoski eventually gained his opportunity as governor, serving two terms. He and his former foe got along quite well.

That, above all, is what should be remembered about Atiyeh, who died two weeks ago at age 91. He was a tremendous governor, especially in light of the turbulent economic times. And he was tremendous person.

As is true in any field of human endeavor, some politicians are jerks. They are willing to sacrifice anything — their families, their relationships, their character — to achieve their goals.

In contrast, Atiyeh was a politician of exceptional, consistent character — as well as a good judge of character — which is why his successors remember him with such fondness, as do people who worked for him.

“He was just a good boss,” said Raymond Thorne, who led the then-Employment Division during the Atiyeh administration. “He gave you the trust to do the job.”

If you did your job well, Atiyeh left you alone. If you screwed up, he held you accountable.

Thorne treasures the 2½-inch solid bronze medallion that Atiyeh gave top administrators who served throughout his two terms as governor. On one side of the medallion is the Oregon State Seal and on the other a modern rendition of the Oregon Territorial Seal.

• “He truly loved and was very loyal to his family, friends, state, colleagues, especially state employees. The last group surprises many people, but having run a small business, he knew how important all of these groups were to a successful enterprise.

• “He was the very essence of integrity and honesty. His ethical standards were impressed on all of us. He was a man of his word and that allowed him to work effectively with the opposition.

• “After 20 years in the Legislature, he knew who he was. His positions on issues were forged in knowledgeable debate and based on core values.

• “Communications with Oregonians, all Oregonians. He had little positive to say about political leaders who knew what was best for the people.”

One other trait sets Atiyeh apart: He knew how to pick top-notch staff members.

As a state government reporter in the 1980s, I underestimated Atiyeh and overestimated future Oregon governors. I took for granted Atiyeh’s accessibility, including his weekly press availabilities with reporters. I assumed every governor’s staff would be as responsive in returning calls and as straightforward in answering questions.

A leader, whether in politics or in business, is only as good as his staff. Atiyeh understood that.

Dick Hughes, who bought his house during the 1980s recession on a mortgage carrying 121/8 percent interest, is editorial page editor of the Statesman Journal. Contact him at dhughes@StatesmanJournal.com; P.O. Box 13009, Salem, OR 97309; or (503) 399-6727.

Services

A public memorial service for Gov. Vic Atiyeh will be held Sept. 3 in the House Chamber of the Oregon Capitol. The time is to be determined.